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Weekly Update
05/30/08
GAS PRICES ARE NOT THE ONLY THING SETTING RECORDS...Sure gas prices are bouncing around the $3.85 per gallon mark in Ponca City, (who says what goes up must come down?) but there was another record set this month. The LAUS reported this week that there are 22,170 people working in the Ponca City Micropolitan Area. There have never been more people working here at any time since B.S. Barnes moseyed into what would become town in 1893. There are also record lows. The official unemployment rate now stands at 2.7% and the rate in Ponca City proper is barely peaking over the one percent mark. There are only 630 people in the whole County that are unemployed and the TV show "Two and a Half Men" could be about the unemployed within Ponca City Actual. This obviously changes the way economic development is practiced since employers kinda want employees. These days, its about workforce, targeted industries, growing incomes, diversification, population growth, housing, entrepreneurs, yada, yada, yada. It used to be simpler when we just went after jobs.
SHORT WEEK??...just means putting six days of work into five days. We did take Memorial Day off and enjoyed the unique weather. This morning, speaking of targeted industries and diversifying the economy, we sat face to face with a new company and presented a proposal for their business in Ponca City. If we tell you who we have to give you a papercut so let's just keep this between us. We also continued to work on two other proposals while we wait for an answer on a legal agreement we recently, lovingly and metaphorically placed on a company's desk. Construction continued this week on the Cont Tech and Encompass Tool projects, (see weather comment, above) we did follow up on retail prospects from last week's ICSC show with the Chamber, met with two existing companies and moved lots of paper around our desks, (paid bills, responded to information requests...you know the drill).
SO, WHAT'S NEW WITH WORKERS COMP...find out next Thursday as Pioneer Tech will host, free of charge, a three hour session on worker's compensation with Gerri Mooney, a counselor for the Oklahoma Worker's Compensation Court. We're not supposed to say "learn the tricks of the trade" but you'll hear about ways to help reduce your workers compensation costs. To find out more and reserve your space, (required) call 580.762.8336, ext. 222.
GATEWAY PARTNERS MET IN TONKAWA...earlier today and there were several issues impacting the region which were discussed. A recent new state law impacting utilities and city funding was discussed at length. City funding really means police, fire, libraries parks and rec. etc. Officer elections were held and Blackwell's Shane Fry is the new Chair, Bob Felts of Cushing is the new Vice Chair and Janet White of Tonkawa was elected Secretary/Treasurer.
UPCOMING...
Tue. June 3rd: UML Grand Opening Ceremony (Invitation event)
Thur. June 5th: Workers Comp Workshop, 9-12, Pioneer Tech; call 762.8336 x222
Fri. June 13th: PCDA Trustees June meeting, (changed from June 12th)
Ponca City Development Authority. 102 S. Fifth Street, Ste. 3, Ponca City, OK 74601
580.765.7070/580.765.0969-fax, email dmyers@goponca.com, www.goponca.com